Wielding its hammer, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Monday visited and summoned the owner of a Chinese supermarket located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for alleged restriction of Nigerians.
The supermarket located within the precinct of the China Chamber of Commerce at the Royal Choice Estate, on the Umar Musa Yar’Adua Way (Airport Road), allegedly permits only Chinese citizens access to purchase groceries.
Find below the link to the viral video:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6CGn-GCNwF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The supermarket was under lock and key when officials of the FCCPC visited in reaction to a viral video where citizens frowned at the supermarket’s policy.
Ms Boladale Adeyinka, the Director, Surveillance and Investigations of FCCPC, who led the team, said the essence of the investigation was to verify the allegations and the contents of that viral video.
”On arrival, we noticed that the supermarket which is right behind me, was sealed and padlocked externally.
”Inquiries have shown that yes, as at this morning this supermarket was opened and people were here.
”CCTV footage also shows that at about 8:29 a.m., two vehicles departed from these premises allegedly containing the owner of the supermarket, whom we have been able to identify by name and we have her contact details.
”Now the summon is to serve notice on her to appear before the FCCPC by April 24 at 11 a. m.
”There are other regulatory tools to be deployed if she fails to honour this summons, ” she said.
Adeyinka said that if the owner of the supermarket failed to honour the summon, the commission under its powers, would seal the premises until she complied.
Mr Sanusi Shuiabu, the Estate Assistant Facilities Manager, said the supermarket was primarily established to cater for the groceries needs of Chinese residents and other tenants of the estate.
He said that there were no agreement restricting the supermarket to Chinese residents only.
Shuiabu said the owner of the supermarket who he simply identified as Cindy was a tenant in the estate.
Meanwhile, the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria has reacted to a viral video stating
In an official statement by the Secretary of China Chamber of Commerce Mr. Cui Guangzheng on Monday clarified that the Royal Choice Estate is not a supermarket as widely reported, but rather comprises an office complex and residential apartments.
“The China Chamber of Commerce is one of several enterprises using the facility, and the supermarket in question is located in the residential area of the estate, which is unrelated to the China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the residential area of the estate consists of privately occupied residents who adhere to security protocols in granting access to external visitors. The statement also stated that no individual was subjected to discrimination or denied access to the estate or supermarket to purchase groceries as widely believed.
Furthermore, the statement expressed regret over the altercation at the estate’s entrance gate between the security personnel and a customer, emphasising that it does not reflect the official position of the estate management or the chamber of commerce.
The China General Chamber of Commerce emphasised its commitment to equality and inclusiveness and welcomed first-hand visits to witness the truth.
“Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development,” the statement added.
● Additional report by PRNigeria.
